CHICAGO –Corazón a Corazón, a Blue Island-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational assistance to Latino communities, will receive a $25,000 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) announced.

“Literacy is critical to individual and community well-being, as well as economic development across the region,” Jones said. “Adult literacy is an often overlooked issue, but these funds will help address the problem right here in our community. Residents who want to contribute to the effort may be interested in volunteering as a tutor.” 

Adult literacy programs throughout Illinois will serve more than 13,500 students. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the Secretary of State’s office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math skills for Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level. 

Read more ...

CHICAGO – After yesterday’s launch of the Business Interruption Grant program, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) encourages local businesses to apply for more than $540 million in grants.

“Businesses in disproportionately impacted areas were already in desperate waters, and it’s satisfying that the majority of these grants will be aimed towards helping restore these communities,” Jones said. “It’s important that opportunities continue to come to these neighborhoods, because they are ones who need it the most.”

Read more ...

CHIICAGO – Blood drives across the state have been cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, prompting State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) to put out a call for African American blood donations to help treat sickle cell patients. 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s blood supply has gotten dangerously low, which means sickle cell patients may not be able to get life-saving transfusions,” Jones said. “African American communities have already been suffering from limited resources during the pandemic—they need support from their neighbors now more than ever. I encourage everyone to lend a hand to address this shortage.” 

Read more ...

CHICAGO – Understanding many residents may have not received a stimulus check, State Senator Emil Jones, III announced Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid can apply for assistance from the City of Chicago. 

“Many residents may not have possessed all the requirements to be able to receive a stimulus check from the federal government,” Jones (D-Chicago) said. “The harsh economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread shutdowns has left many families in a finical burden and if they do not receive a stimulus check it will be made worse. This money will hopefully ease some of their financial burden.” 

Read more ...